Wales

Mackay's texts row: "I'm no racist or homophobe"

Malky Mackay has insisted he is "no racist"and "no anti-Semitic" after offensive text messages he is alleged to have sent were revealed. The former Cardiff City manager said he was under "immense pressure" at the time but admitted "it should not have happened".

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Former Cardiff City manager Malky Mackay says he's spoken to his union about receiving equality and diversity training following controversial text messages between him and Iain Moody. Mackay insists he's not "racist" or a "homophobe."

Cardiff City Football Club have called for the chief executive of the League Managers Association to resign.

Credit: PA

Cardiff say LMA chief executive Richard Bevan's position is "untenable" following public statements from the LMA on behalf of their former manager Malky Mackay.

Cardiff says it was "reprehensible that the LMA should itself put out a statement which seeks to dismiss deeply offensive racist comments as 'friendly banter'."

We also point out that the LMA members have a ‘Code of Conduct’ incorporated into their managerial contracts. One of the requirements is “A Manager shall not use racist or other discriminatory language. A Manager’s behaviour should demonstrate to Players and other employees under his control that discrimination in any form is unacceptable.” We therefore find it entirely reprehensible that the LMA should itself put out a statement which seeks to dismiss deeply offensive racist comments as 'friendly banter'.

If that is the view held by the LMA, as appears from its statement, we consider that Richard Bevan’s position is untenable and we call for his resignation"

QPR manager Harry Redknapp offered a defence of under-fire former Cardiff manager Malky Mackay, saying: "He hasn't murdered anyone, he hasn't raped anyone and he is not a paedophile."

Credit: PA

Mackay and his former head of recruitment Iain Moody are alleged to have shared racist, sexist and homophobic texts when they worked together at the Welsh club and has since apologised.

News that the Football Association was investigating the exchange prompted Crystal Palace to drop their interest in appointing Mackay as their new manager, but Redkapp does not believe these allegations "should finish his life".

Suddenly everyone is an angel, he made a big mistake the lad but it shouldn't finish his life. He is a good manager and I feel bad for what he has done but I bet no one is feeling as bad as him or his family today. I'm not condoning what he has done but show me someone who has ever made a mistake and I will show you a liar.

– Harry Redknapp

Redknapp wants to see Mackay given a reprieve at some point in the future.

The League Managers Association has apologised for the statement it released yesterday regarding Malky Mackay, saying some of the wording "was inappropriate and has been perceived to trivialise matters of a racist, sexist or homophobic nature".

Rio Ferdinand is one of many to question the LMA's response. Credit: PA

A highly placed source at Cardiff City told ITV News that they are "extremely disappointed with the League Managers' Association statement, belittling highly offensive comments as banter."

The LMA released a statement on behalf of former Cardiff manager Mackay on Thursday night after the 42-year-old Scot and Iain Moody were alleged to have shared racist, sexist and homophobic texts when they worked together at the Welsh club.

The initial statement said Mackay had been under pressure at the time of the messages and that he was "letting off steam to a friend during some friendly text message banter".

That statement has been widely criticised by anti-discrimination campaigners within the game, and the LMA today felt compelled to apologise for how the first release had been worded.

It is beyond argument that any comments that are discriminatory, even used in private, are totally unacceptable. The LMA remains absolutely aware of our responsibility to the game and to promote and uphold the highest standards of behaviour.

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The chairman of football's anti-racism body says he is "aware but not shocked" by allegations that Malky Mackay and Iain Moody sent offensive text messages during their time at Cardiff.

Mackay was widely expected to be unveiled as Crystal Palace manager in the near future. Credit: Peter Byrne/PA Wire

Lord Herman Ouseley said the FA should not hold back with any sanctions should the claims prove to be true.

These revelations are further confirmation of how football is tainted with racism, sexism, homophobia and anti-Semitism, and the culture which continues to exist throughout the game and in wider society as a whole.
The reality is that these views are most dangerously held by those people in positions of power, and the football establishment knows and condones it.

Stan Collymore has worked in broadcasting since his playing career ended. Credit: PA

Former England striker Stan Collymore has described the League Managers' Association's statement which says Malky Mackay's offensive text messages were part of some "friendly banter" as being "f****** disgraceful".

The LMA released a statement on behalf of former Cardiff manager Mackay on Thursday night after the 42-year-old Scot and Iain Moody were alleged to have shared racist, sexist and homophobic texts when they worked together at the Welsh club.